Highlights of February Events

FUN-draising

Not Your Grandma’s Bingo will be back Saturday, February 9 in Bayview Hall.  These events sell out quickly.  Go here to purchase tickets.   You don’t want to miss this boisterous “fun-draising” event hosted by famous drag-queens Sylvia O’Stayformore and Bobbie Jo Blessings.  It’s BINGO like you’ve never seen it before. Age 21+ only.  Come join us!  You help our community when you help support Island Senior Resources.

AARP TAX-AIDE FREE TAX RETURN PREPARATION

AARP Tax-Aide is offering free tax return preparation for taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those ages 60 and over.  AARP membership is not required.

There are appointments available Feb 1-April 12 at Oak Harbor Library, Coupeville Library, Island Senior Resources (Bayview) and Oak Harbor Senior Center.  Appointments, although not required, are recommended and will receive preference over walk-ins. No walk-ins or appointments during the last hour of operation.

For appointments at Coupeville Library and Island Senior Resources (Bayview) call (360) 678-3000, leave your name and telephone number, and your requested site and date. A volunteer will return your call to schedule an appointment. Appointments can also be made when Tax-Aide volunteers are on site.

For appointments at the Oak Harbor Senior Center call (360) 279-4580.

Appointments for the Oak Harbor Library can be made in person at the library.

DRIVE SAFE DRIVE SMART

Take the new AARP smart driver course

Saturday, February 9, 8:30 a.m – 4:00 p.m. at Island Senior Resources (Bayview)

• Refresh your driving skills; understand the new rules of the road.
• Learn driving strategies to help you stay safe behind the wheel.
• This class may save you money on your car insurance.
• There are no tests to pass. 
• Lunch not included.

Cost:  $15 AARP members,  $20 for non-AARP members.

Registration required. Call 360-321-1600 or 360-678-3373.

Dementia Care Classes for Caregivers taught by Kathleen Landel

Feb 19 – Let’s Talk About the Brain:  The Impact of Dementia

Understand how the brain changes with dementia and the reason behind challenging behaviors.

March 19 – The Caregiver Journey:  The Stage of Dementia

Learn how dementia progresses and how you can anticipate and respond to the changes and support your own needs.

1-3 pm at Oak Harbor Senior Center 51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor

$15 per class.  Call 360-969-5471 to register.

Dementia Care Partner Support Series taught by Kathleen Landel

This series is progressive and will cover topics on Facing Dementia, Skills, and Coping, The Long Haul, Taking Stock – Taking Care of You, and Putting it all Together.  You will connect with other caregivers and learn through videos, handouts, discussions and hands-on skill training.

Tuesdays, February 5 and 19, March 5 and 19

10 a.m.-noon at Oak Harbor Senior Center 51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor

$15 per class.  Call 360-969-5471 to register.

End of Life Discussion Series

Held on Tuesday afternoons featuring the following topics hosted by Island Senior Resources and Hospice of the Northwest.  12:30-2:30 p.m. at Coupeville Library 788 NW Alexander St.  Class is FREE.  For more information contact Nicole Donovan 360-321-1600.  No need to register.

2/19        Introduction and Overview: Aging in Place, Fall Risks (HNW)

2/26        The Legal Paperwork: What documents are available and needed (HNW and Andy Schuh, Attorney-at-Law)

3/5           End of Life Options: Disease progression, in-home care options and hospice care (HNW and Whidbey Hospice)

3/12         After Death: A panel discussion with funeral home representatives (Jason Easton from Evans Funeral Chapel and On-site Crematory and Paul Kuzina from Whidbey Memorial)

3/19         Grief and Loss:  How does change affect you? A discussion providing tools for change, grief, and loss (HNW)

Thank you Rotary Club Whidbey Westside!

Rotary Club Whidbey Westside donated $1,000 for Meals on Wheels!  We thank you for your generosity and for all the help you provide to our Pancake Breakfast fundraisers for Meals on Wheels.  We appreciate your time, humor, and generous support for our nutrition program that serves seniors in need.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop

Learn to better manage medications, make decisions and communicate more effectively, eat well, add activity to your life and much more.

Held on Thursdays, February 7 – March 21 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Oak Harbor Senior Center 51 SE Jerome St. Oak Harbor.  Registration Required.  Class is FREE but space is limited.  To register contact Debbie Metz 360-321-1621